after beating Brackley Town 3–0 in the play-off final. Having made 16 appearances and scored one goal, McCombe was released by Harrogate at the end of 2017–18. He signed for National League North club Boston United on 8 June 2018 on a one-year contract. He had his contract cancelled by mutual consent on 10 August without making a competitive appearance for Boston. He joined newly promoted Northern Premier League Premier Division club Hyde United four days later. He made 43 appearances in the 2018–19 season, scoring seven goals, as the "Tigers" posted a tenth-place finish. He was appointed as player-assistant manager in May 2019. The 2019–20 season was formally abandoned on 26 March, with all results from the season being expunged, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in England. The 2020–21 season was also curtailed early due to the pandemic. Style of play A solid and efficient centre back, in the opposition's box he is a goal threat from set pieces. Personal life In January 2009, he was attending Manchester Metropolitan University, studying for a sports science qualification. He is a Sheffield Wednesday fan. His elder brother Jamie is also a former professional footballer. Career statistics Honours Hereford United Football League Two third-place promotion: 2007–08 Port Vale Football League Two third-place promotion: 2012–13 Macclesfield Town FA Trophy runner-up: 2016–17 Harrogate Town National League North play-offs: 2017–18 Individual Port Vale Player of the Year: 2010–11 References External links John McCombe profile at the Hyde United F.C. website 1985 births Living people Sportspeople from Pontefract Footballers from West Yorkshire English footballers Association football defenders Huddersfield Town A.F.C. players Torquay United F.C. players Hereford United F.C. players Port Vale F.C. players Mansfield Town F.C. players York City F.C. players Macclesfield Town F.C. players Chester F.C. players Harrogate Town A.F.C. players Boston United F.C. players Hyde United F.C. players English Football League players National League (English football) players Northern Premier League players Association football coaches Alumni of Manchester Metropolitan University